Farmers warned of crop damage in wake of heavy rai...

Farmers warned of crop damage in wake of heavy rains

Audrey Galawu

In light of the heavy rains predicted by the Meteorological Services Department in some parts of the country, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board has urged farmers to be wary of crop damage due to water clogging.

The MSD predicted heavy rains across much of Zimbabwe for the next seven days with specific regions, including Bulawayo, Midlands, Mashonaland West and East, are highlighted, with warnings of potential flash floods, lightning, hail storms, and other hazards.

Speaking to Zim Now, TIMB spokesperson Chelesani Moyo said growers must be aware of diseases associated with heavy rains that can affect crops.

“Heavy rains on light textured soils are associated with high fertiliser leaching, crop damage either by the wind, hail or even water logging hence reduced yield.

“Growers are encouraged to insure their crop in case of excessive damage. After receiving heavy rains, depending on the crop stage, growers can add nitrogen or calcium nitrate to boost the crop from leached fertilisers.

“Growers should be vigilant and take heed of diseases that are prone to attack the crop, especially when there is delayed rain,” she said.

Moyo revealed that as of January 5, 2024, TIMB had recorded a total of 103 652 ha which had been planted. This is in comparison to 108 897 ha planted during the same period last year.

She added that the irrigated crop is now in the 4th and 5th reaping stage while the late rain-fed crop is still at vegetation growth stage, that is between 4 to 12 leaves.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Farmers Union Director, Paul Zakariya said there has been adherence to advice given to plant medium to short season varieties.

“Although the season started late, farmers are making very good progress. Planting has effectively been completed and farmers are managing their crops well and this includes observing conservation practices. We hope that with what remains of the season, crops will reach maturity,” he said.

Meanwhile, TIMB has also revealed that 112 916 growers have registered compared to 147 748 growers registered last year during the same period.

93% of the registered growers are contracted farmers.

Mashonaland West registered the highest number with 52 130 growers followed by Mashonaland Central with 52 068 while Manicaland has 23 637 with Mashonaland East registering 19 606, Midlands with 211 and Masvingo with 96 registered growers.

Matabeleland has not registered any growers.